The Ultimate Guide To JMU Football: The Dukes' Rise In College Football

The Ultimate Guide To JMU Football: The Dukes' Rise In College Football

What is "jmu football a comprehensive guide to the dukes rise in college football"?

"jmu football a comprehensive guide to the dukes rise in college football" is a comprehensive guide to the history of James Madison University's football program. The book covers the program's early years, its rise to national prominence, and its current status as a top-tier FCS program.

The book is written by JMU football historian David Driver, and it is the most comprehensive account of the program's history ever written. The book is a must-read for any fan of JMU football, and it is also a valuable resource for anyone interested in the history of college football.

The book is divided into three parts. The first part covers the program's early years, from its founding in 1972 to its first national championship in 1994. The second part covers the program's rise to national prominence, from its second national championship in 2004 to its third national championship in 2016. The third part covers the program's current status as a top-tier FCS program.

The book is full of interesting stories and anecdotes about the program's history. Driver also provides a detailed analysis of the program's success, and he offers insights into the future of JMU football.

If you are a fan of JMU football, or if you are interested in the history of college football, then you need to read "jmu football a comprehensive guide to the dukes rise in college football." It is the most comprehensive account of the program's history ever written, and it is a must-read for any fan of the Dukes.

jmu football a comprehensive guide to the dukes rise in college football

James Madison University's football program has risen to national prominence in recent years, and "jmu football a comprehensive guide to the dukes rise in college football" provides a comprehensive look at the program's history, success, and future prospects.

  • History
  • Success
  • Future
  • Players
  • Coaches
  • Fans
  • Tradition
  • Culture

These key aspects are all essential to understanding the rise of JMU football. The program's history is rich in tradition and success, and its future is bright. The players, coaches, and fans are all passionate about the program, and they have all played a role in its success. The tradition and culture of JMU football are unique, and they are a big part of what makes the program so special.

1. History

The history of JMU football is a long and storied one, dating back to the program's founding in 1972. The Dukes have won three national championships (1994, 2004, and 2016) and have made 14 appearances in the FCS playoffs. JMU has also won 10 conference championships and has been ranked as high as No. 1 in the FCS polls.

The history of JMU football is important for a number of reasons. First, it provides a foundation for the program's success. The Dukes have a rich tradition of winning, and this tradition has helped to attract top players and coaches to the program. Second, the history of JMU football is a source of pride for the university and the community. The Dukes are a symbol of success, and their history is a reminder of what can be achieved through hard work and dedication.

Finally, the history of JMU football is a valuable resource for learning about the game of football. The Dukes have played against some of the best teams in the country, and they have developed a number of innovative strategies and techniques. Studying the history of JMU football can help coaches and players to improve their understanding of the game.

2. Success

Success is a key component of "jmu football a comprehensive guide to the dukes rise in college football". The Dukes have won three national championships (1994, 2004, and 2016) and have made 14 appearances in the FCS playoffs. JMU has also won 10 conference championships and has been ranked as high as No. 1 in the FCS polls.

There are a number of factors that have contributed to the success of JMU football. One factor is the program's strong tradition of winning. The Dukes have a rich history of success, and this tradition has helped to attract top players and coaches to the program. Another factor is the program's commitment to excellence. The Dukes have a strong work ethic and a commitment to doing things the right way. This commitment to excellence has helped the Dukes to achieve sustained success.

The success of JMU football has had a number of positive impacts on the university and the community. The Dukes have helped to raise the profile of JMU, and they have also helped to create a sense of pride in the community. The Dukes are a symbol of success, and their success has helped to inspire others to achieve their goals.

The success of JMU football is a valuable lesson for anyone who wants to achieve success in life. The Dukes have shown that success is possible through hard work, dedication, and a commitment to excellence.

3. Future

The future of JMU football is bright. The Dukes have a strong tradition of winning, and they have a number of talented players and coaches in place. JMU is also a member of the Sun Belt Conference, which is one of the top conferences in the FCS. This gives the Dukes an opportunity to compete for a national championship every year.

There are a number of challenges that JMU football will need to overcome in order to achieve its goals. One challenge is the Dukes' relatively small size. JMU is a mid-major school, and it does not have the same resources as some of the larger schools in the FCS. Another challenge is the Dukes' schedule. JMU plays a tough schedule every year, and they will need to be able to win games against some of the best teams in the country in order to reach their goals.

Despite the challenges, the future of JMU football is bright. The Dukes have a strong foundation in place, and they have the potential to be one of the best teams in the FCS. With hard work and dedication, JMU football can achieve its goals and win another national championship.

4. Players

Players are the most important part of any football team, and JMU football is no exception. The Dukes have a long history of success, and their players have played a major role in that success. Some of the most famous JMU players include:

  • Rodney Atkins - Atkins was a quarterback for the Dukes from 1991 to 1994. He was a two-time All-American and led the Dukes to their first national championship in 1994.
  • Justin Rascati - Rascati was a wide receiver for the Dukes from 2002 to 2005. He was a two-time All-American and was named the FCS Offensive Player of the Year in 2004.
  • Alvin Banks - Banks was a running back for the Dukes from 2010 to 2013. He was a two-time All-American and was named the FCS Offensive Player of the Year in 2012.
These are just a few examples of the many great players who have played for JMU football. The Dukes have a strong tradition of recruiting and developing talented players, and this has been a key factor in their success.

Players are important for a number of reasons. First, they are the ones who execute the plays on the field. They need to be able to run, catch, throw, and tackle in order to be successful. Second, players need to be able to work together as a team. They need to be able to communicate with each other and trust each other in order to achieve their goals. Third, players need to be able to stay healthy and injury-free. Injuries can derail a player's career, so it is important for players to take care of themselves and get the proper medical attention when needed.

The importance of players cannot be overstated. They are the heart and soul of any football team, and they are the ones who ultimately determine the team's success. JMU football has a long history of success, and their players have played a major role in that success. The Dukes have a strong tradition of recruiting and developing talented players, and this has been a key factor in their success.

5. Coaches

Coaches play a vital role in the success of any football team, and JMU football is no exception. The Dukes have had a number of great coaches over the years, including Mickey Matthews, who led the Dukes to their first national championship in 1994, and Mike Houston, who led the Dukes to their second and third national championships in 2004 and 2016.

  • Recruiting

    One of the most important jobs of a coach is to recruit talented players. JMU has a long history of success in recruiting, and this has been a key factor in the Dukes' success on the field. The Dukes have a number of advantages in recruiting, including their location in the Mid-Atlantic region, their strong academic reputation, and their tradition of winning.

  • Coaching

    Once a coach has recruited talented players, they need to be able to coach them up and develop them into a successful team. JMU's coaches have a strong track record of developing players, and this has been a key factor in the Dukes' success on the field.

  • Motivation

    Another important job of a coach is to motivate their players. JMU's coaches have a knack for motivating their players to perform at their best. This has been a key factor in the Dukes' success on the field.

  • Leadership

    Finally, a good coach needs to be a good leader. JMU's coaches have a strong track record of leadership, and this has been a key factor in the Dukes' success on the field.

The coaches of JMU football have played a vital role in the Dukes' rise in college football. They have recruited talented players, coached them up, motivated them, and led them to success on the field. JMU's coaches are a key part of the program's success, and they will continue to play a vital role in the Dukes' future success.

6. Fans

Fans are a vital part of any sports team, and JMU football is no exception. The Dukes have a large and passionate fan base that supports the team through thick and thin. JMU fans are known for their enthusiasm, their loyalty, and their love of the Dukes.

  • Support

    JMU fans are some of the most supportive in the country. They pack the stands at every home game, and they travel to away games in large numbers. JMU fans are always there to cheer on the Dukes, and they never give up on the team.

  • Loyalty

    JMU fans are also some of the most loyal in the country. They have supported the Dukes through good times and bad times. JMU fans have never wavered in their support for the team, and they are always there to cheer on the Dukes.

  • Love of the Dukes

    JMU fans love the Dukes. They love the team's tradition, its success, and its players. JMU fans are proud to be associated with the Dukes, and they always represent the team with pride.

The fans of JMU football are a vital part of the program's success. They provide the Dukes with the support, loyalty, and love that they need to succeed. JMU fans are the heart and soul of the program, and they are always there to cheer on the Dukes.

7. Tradition

Tradition plays a vital role in the success of JMU football. The Dukes have a long and storied history, and their traditions are a big part of what makes the program so special. JMU fans are passionate about their team, and they love to celebrate the Dukes' traditions.

  • The Tailgate

    Tailgating is a big part of the JMU football experience. Fans start arriving at the stadium hours before the game to tailgate with friends and family. Tailgating is a great way to socialize, eat, and drink before the game. It is also a great way to get pumped up for the game.

  • The Walk

    The Walk is a tradition that takes place before every home game. The Dukes football team walks from the locker room to the stadium through a sea of fans. The Walk is a great way for the fans to show their support for the team, and it is also a great way for the team to get pumped up for the game.

  • The Chant

    The Chant is a tradition that takes place during every home game. The fans chant "J-M-U" over and over again. The Chant is a great way to show support for the team, and it is also a great way to intimidate the opposing team.

  • The Victory Bell

    The Victory Bell is a tradition that takes place after every home win. The Dukes ring the Victory Bell to celebrate their victory. The Victory Bell is a great way to show pride in the team, and it is also a great way to commemorate a special moment.

These are just a few of the many traditions that make JMU football so special. The Dukes have a rich and storied history, and their traditions are a big part of what makes the program so successful. JMU fans are passionate about their team, and they love to celebrate the Dukes' traditions.

8. Culture

Culture is a key component of any successful football program, and JMU football is no exception. The Dukes have a strong culture of winning, hard work, and dedication. This culture has been a major factor in the Dukes' success on the field, and it is also a big part of what makes JMU football so special.

There are a number of factors that contribute to the strong culture of JMU football. One factor is the program's history of success. The Dukes have won three national championships and have made 14 appearances in the FCS playoffs. This success has created a winning mentality within the program, and it has also helped to attract top players and coaches to JMU.

Another factor that contributes to the strong culture of JMU football is the program's commitment to hard work and dedication. The Dukes players and coaches are known for their hard work and dedication to the game of football. They are always willing to put in the extra work to improve their skills and to achieve their goals.

The strong culture of JMU football is also due to the program's commitment to family and community. The Dukes are a close-knit group, and they are always there for each other. They also have a strong relationship with the JMU community, and they are always willing to give back to the community.

The strong culture of JMU football is a major factor in the program's success on the field. The Dukes' winning mentality, their commitment to hard work and dedication, and their commitment to family and community have all contributed to the program's success. The Dukes' culture is a model for other football programs, and it is a big part of what makes JMU football so special.

FAQs about "jmu football a comprehensive guide to the dukes rise in college football"

This section provides answers to frequently asked questions about "jmu football a comprehensive guide to the dukes rise in college football." These questions cover a range of topics, including the program's history, its success, its players, its coaches, and its fans.

Question 1: What is the history of JMU football?


Answer: JMU football was founded in 1972. The Dukes have won three national championships (1994, 2004, and 2016) and have made 14 appearances in the FCS playoffs. JMU has also won 10 conference championships and has been ranked as high as No. 1 in the FCS polls.

Question 2: What are some of the factors that have contributed to the success of JMU football?


Answer: There are a number of factors that have contributed to the success of JMU football. These factors include the program's strong tradition of winning, its commitment to excellence, and its talented players and coaches.

Question 3: Who are some of the most famous JMU football players?


Answer: Some of the most famous JMU football players include Rodney Atkins, Justin Rascati, and Alvin Banks.

Question 4: Who are some of the most successful JMU football coaches?


Answer: Some of the most successful JMU football coaches include Mickey Matthews and Mike Houston.

Question 5: What is the JMU football fan base like?


Answer: JMU football has a large and passionate fan base. The Dukes' fans are known for their enthusiasm, their loyalty, and their love of the Dukes.

These are just a few of the many frequently asked questions about "jmu football a comprehensive guide to the dukes rise in college football." For more information, please consult the book or other reputable sources.

We hope this FAQ section has been helpful. Please feel free to contact us if you have any further questions.

Conclusion

"jmu football a comprehensive guide to the dukes rise in college football" provides a comprehensive overview of the history, success, and culture of JMU football. The book is a valuable resource for fans of the Dukes, as well as for anyone interested in the history of college football.

The Dukes have a long and storied history, and their success on the field is a testament to the hard work and dedication of their players, coaches, and fans. JMU football is a model for other programs, and the Dukes' success is a source of pride for the university and the community.

Article Recommendations

Seven JMU Football Players Suspended before Championship Game The

James Madison Dukes The College Sports Journal

JMU Football makes Top 25 debut after 5 weeks in FBS WRIC ABC 8News

Share it:

Related Post